Pigg River Ramble & Blackwater Blackout May 18-20 Update

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 8:01 pm

The Blackwater Blackout & Pigg River Ramble Weekend is May 18 – 20, 2012

The Pigg River is a nice scenic float with a few easy rapids and one small ledge. It’s 7 miles and takes 2-3 hours depending on the water level and whether you paddle much or just float.

It’s a great family trip; there are some serious paddlers who paddle hard for time, and there are plenty of casual boaters, who take their time.

There is even a themed craft category, so dress up and decorate your boat if you want.

The Blackwater is also a small river, suitable for all ability levels and kids.

For more information or to register:

http://www.visitfranklincountyva.org/

http://www.visitfranklincountyva.org/bb ... ration.pdf

Check out the Blackout on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/events/303385639736170/?ref=ts

Watch some of the action on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzDOnlxLj4[b][/b]

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Wed May 16, 2012 2:58 pm

We've had several hard rains Monday and Tuesday, so there will be some water in the river. The Pigg drops pretty fast, but it should be at an o.k. level this year.

You can register for Friday and Saturday's events the day of the event.

I hope to see some of you there.

Jenny · Post by **Jenny** » Wed May 16, 2012 8:37 pm

I'll be there for a PFD of the mighty Pigg

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Thu May 17, 2012 3:10 pm

Jenny wrote:I'll be there for a PFD of the mighty Pigg

Be sure to check out the video of the carnage at the Ledge so you'll be prepared for its complexity and power

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzDOnlxLj4

Post by **GinnyN** » Fri May 18, 2012 12:25 pm

wonderful video!

JDzielak · Post by **JDzielak** » Mon May 21, 2012 4:28 pm

What kind of magic did those people think was going to keep their boat from going into that very obvious rock at the bottom of the drop?

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Wed May 23, 2012 12:11 pm

jdzielak wrote:What kind of magic did those people think was going to keep their boat from going into that very obvious rock at the bottom of the drop?

It's classic beginner boating; they are headed straight and see the Ledge so they go right and try to keep the boat straight, so the hit the rock at the bottom right. Add a few gunnel grabs and leaning away from the rock, and you get instant carnage.

I tell people to start right with left angle and lean into the rock and they'll be fine.

Post by **GinnyN** » Wed May 23, 2012 2:25 pm

I love the fact that the video documents the scientific experiment that whatever hand touches the gunnel first is the side that will be pulled up and over!

notso · Post by **notso** » Wed May 23, 2012 10:31 pm

Did you all notice the scrawny old guy at the very end style it in the old Blue hole?

Raymond · Post by **Raymond** » Thu May 24, 2012 7:39 pm

notso wrote:Did you all notice the scrawny old guy at the very end style it in the old Blue hole?

That's Morris Stephenson, who helped bring back the Pigg River Ramble in the 2000's after it faded away in the 1970's. He came up with the name of our local club, the Creek Freaks.

He was in his 70's in that footage and has been paddling for years. He wrote for the local paper for decades and is working on a book on moonshining now.

http://voices.yahoo.com/a-virginia-jour ... tml?cat=31